Tractor trailers are a common sight on I-95 and I-64. Tractor trailer collisions frequently occur on these highways as the commercial trucks travel across the eastern seaboard to deliver their cargo. The injuries from these collisions are often devastating or even fatal for other drivers.
If you were the victim of a tractor trailer accident in Richmond, Virginia, you should start talking with a tractor trailer accident lawyer. Here at Portner & Shure, P.A. in Richmond, our attorneys understand the intense and complex nature of litigating a tractor trailer collision case. We will fight to obtain you proper compensation for your injuries, even when it means going to court against a major insurance company.
We offer free consultations to inquiring clients. Call or contact us online.
Rollover Accident
A rollover collision is a devastating event, especially when a massive commercial truck is involved. Tractor trailers are at a high risk of rolling over due to their size and high center of gravity. When a tractor trailer travels on an inclined or curved surface, its center of gravity can shift, causing the vehicle to rollover. This can result in nearby vehicles being crushed by the tractor trailer.
Jackknife Accidents
Most commercial trucks haul a giant tractor trailer. When the truck hauling the tractor trailer suddenly stops or slows down, the tractor trailer and truck may move in different directions. Specifically, the tractor trailer may swing to the left or right while the truck continues moving forward. The tractor trailer can then collide with vehicles in the adjacent lanes in what is called a jackknife collision.
Jackknife accidents are usually caused by the tractor trailer:
- Traveling at excessive speeds
- Improper braking
- Inadequate maintenance
- Unbalanced cargo load distribution on the trailer.
Overloaded Tractor Trailers
Tractor trailers haul large amounts of cargo. Federal law limits the amount of weight tractor trailers are permitted to haul to limit the risk of a heavy trailer causing an accident. Many truck drivers and trucking companies overload tractor trailers in order to deliver more cargo and generate increased profits, putting all other drivers at risk of a serious crash.
Improperly Loaded Tractor Trailers
The cargo that tractor trailers haul must be securely loaded and distributed evenly on the trailer. If cargo is not securely loaded, it can shift while the tractor trailer is in motion and can change the vehicle’s center of gravity. Tractor trailers that are not properly loaded are at a higher risk of jackknifing or flipping over.
Injuries & Damages in Tractor Trailer Accident Cases
Victims of tractor trailer collisions often suffer severe injuries such as:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Death
These injuries require victims to seek emergency medical treatment along with extensive follow-up rehabilitative care. Tractor trailer accident victims can be compensated for their medical treatment, lost wages, and the pain and suffered they endured as a result of their injuries.
We Want to Help – Contact Us Now!
Tractor trailer lawsuits are complex cases to litigate. Retaining an experienced Richmond, Virginia tractor trailer accident lawyer from our firm is a good way to confidently seek compensation for your injuries. We have been successfully representing tractor trailer accident victims in Virginia for more than 30 years. Our experienced attorneys know how to investigate the facts surrounding the collision and how to prepare and prosecute a tractor trailer lawsuit.
We have a long record of obtaining favorable results for our English-, Spanish-, Korean-, Vietnamese-, and Chinese- (Mandarin and Cantonese) speaking clients. Portner & Shure, P.A. receives no fee unless our client is given a settlement or judgment in court.
